Youghal

At the heart of the production, Aaron Cowning and Orla Irwin delivered performances of unparalleled depth and emotion as the King and Anna. Aaron's portrayal of the arrogant, super-chauvinist ruler was nothing short of stellar, while Orla's portrayal of the strong-willed Anna Leonowens was equally captivating. Together, they commanded the stage with astonishing presence, bringing to life the complex dynamics between their characters. The chemistry between them was palpable, and as they breathed life into their roles, the audience couldn't help but be swept away by the magic they created.

Their performances were so powerful that they earned a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the show, a testament to their exceptional talent and the emotional impact they had on all who witnessed their artistry. ... See MoreSee Less

Youghal Musical Society captivates with a stunning production of "The King and I"Youghal GAA Club - Tuesday, 7th May to Friday 10th May 2024.

Pictured on stage are Davin O’Regan as Lun Tha and Élisa Redmond as Tuptin who enthralled the audience with their magnetic stage presence, embodying their characters with finesse and nuance. Take a bow both of you. A magnificent performance. ... See MoreSee Less

In a scene brimming with admiration and shared enthusiasm, Angela Pomphrett, Youghal Musical Society, John Daly, director of "The King and I," and Youghal Musical Society's esteemed former president, the graceful Eileen Hunt, embody the spirit of celebration at the opening night of the production. Eileen's words, spoken with heartfelt sincerity, resonate throughout the venue as she reflects on the exceptional talent and dedication witnessed during rehearsals. Her praise for the cast, particularly the remarkable performances of the children, echoes the sentiments of all in attendance.

As Angela, John, and Eileen gather, their faces alight with smiles, they symbolise the culmination of tireless effort and unwavering commitment to excellence. The Youghal GAA Centre, transformed into a stage of grandeur, stands as a testament to the community's collective vision and perseverance. The investment in top-tier lighting and audio equipment, coupled with the unwavering support of sponsors, committee members, volunteers, and loyal audiences, underscores the society's enduring legacy of excellence.

As Eileen pays homage to the late Dean St John Thornhill, whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire, the air is thick with appreciation for the journey that has led to this moment of triumph. Truly, it is a marvel to behold. ... See MoreSee Less

Captured at the opening night of "The King and I," 90-year-old John Harris and Noelle Hehir from Youghal radiate pure joy. Their faces aglow with excitement, it's evident that the duo thoroughly enjoyed the musical. As seasoned patrons of the Youghal Musical Society's productions, their appreciation for the artistry on display speaks volumes. With this being their 13th musical experience attending the society's productions, John and Noelle's endorsement of the evening's performance as rivaling any West End show is a testament to the exceptional talent within their community. ... See MoreSee Less

Enraptured by the enchantment of 'The King and I'! Kathy Anne Whyte and her lively crew - Callie, Ally, Shannon, and Darcy - share a moment of pure joy on opening night of "The King and I" at the Youghal GAA Centre.

Their faces aglow with excitement and delight, it's evident that the group thoroughly enjoyed the musical. With smiles that radiate pure happiness, they embody the spirit of the evening, reveling in the magic of the performance and cherishing the memories made on this special occasion.

Tickets are still available at Cree's Card Shop or at the door. Hurry, and secure your seats for an evening that promises to linger in your heart long after the final curtain call. Remember, tickets are cash only, so don't delay! ... See MoreSee Less

A Majestic Evening: The Youghal Musical Society's "The King and I" Opening Night.

IN A MESMERIZING display of talent, passion, and cultural fusion, the Youghal Musical Society (YMS) brought forth a theatrical masterpiece, "The King and I," on the evening of Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. As the curtain rose at the Youghal GAA Centre, a hushed anticipation gripped the packed house, eager to embark on a journey into the heart of Siam.

From the moment guests were greeted at the door by the courteous front-of-house crew, to the meticulous backstage coordination, every detail of the evening was orchestrated to perfection. MC Orla Riordan, with grace and charm, paid homage to the legacy of past productions and the stalwart contributors who have graced the YMS stage over the years. She offered a sincere tribute to the incomparable Tommy Collins, whose presence and dedication had defined the essence of the YMS for a quarter of a century, and whose spirit continued to inspire all who passed through its doors.

Youghal Musical Society's esteemed former chairperson, the graceful Eileen Hunt, delivered a heartfelt homage to the cast and crew;

"I attended rehearsals yesterday, and they surpassed all expectations. The level of talent showcased in this production is truly remarkable. While the entire cast shines, I must especially commend the magnificent performances of the children. The scale of production costs is significant, but the result is truly breathtaking, as is the venue here at the Youghal GAA Centre. We've invested in our own stage, and the lighting and audio setup are unparalleled in their professionalism. This achievement wouldn't be possible without the generous and ongoing support from our sponsors, as evident in our wonderful programme, as well as the dedication of our committee, volunteers, and our cherished audience, who grace us with their presence. It's a testament to the vision of one of our founding members, the late Dean St John Thornhill, whose inspiration shaped the society in its formative years. It's simply marvelous."

The audience, a diverse tapestry of age and enthusiasm, marveled at the spectacle unfolding before them. Longtime patrons like John Harris and Noelle Hehir, seasoned in the artistry of YMS, attested that the production rivaled any West End performance, a testament to the caliber of talent within their community.

At the heart of the production were the stellar performances of Aaron Cowning and Orla Irwin, whose portrayal of the King and Anna captivated with their depth and emotion. Alongside them, Davin O’Regan and Elisa Redmond enthralled with their magnetic stage presence, embodying their characters with finesse and nuance. Helena Sloane as Lady Thiang was superb as was the young Conor Crowley as Prince Chululonkorn and AJ Leahy as Louis Leonownes.

Under the masterful direction of John Daly and the musical guidance of Dominic Finn, the narrative unfolded with seamless precision, each note and gesture resonating with the audience. The clarity of sound, a hallmark of YMS professionalism, elevated the experience to unparalleled heights, thanks to the musical talents of Anna O’Sullivan - piano, Dominic Finn - keyboards, Holly McConnell - Violin, Aoife O’Donoghue - Flute and Kieran McCarthy - percussion. (Kieran used his great grandfathers one hundred year old hand made wooden block as part of the drum kit!)

A visual feast awaited the audience in the stunning costumes, meticulously crafted to evoke the clash of cultures and the grandeur of the era. The costume design team deserve accolades for their attention to detail, transporting viewers to the opulent courts of Siam with every stitch and embellishment.

Behind the scenes, Kate O’Callaghan's choreography breathed life into every movement, a symphony of rhythm and grace that underscored the narrative's emotional depth.

As the story unfolded, audiences were drawn into a world of cultural exchange and understanding, where differences faded in the light of human connection. Rodgers and Hammerstein's timeless melodies, from the whimsical "I Whistle a Happy Tune" to the enchanting "Getting to Know You," served as a poignant reminder of the power of music to bridge divides and unite hearts.

Indeed, "The King and I" is more than a theatrical production; it is a celebration of diversity, a testament to the enduring legacy of cultural exchange and understanding. As the YMS continues to captivate audiences with their boundless creativity and dedication, one thing remains certain: the magic of the stage will endure for generations to come.

With tickets still available, don't miss your chance to experience the enchantment of "The King and I" at the Youghal GAA Centre. Join us on this unforgettable journey, where music, dance, and storytelling converge to create an evening of pure theatrical magic.

Tickets are available now at Cree's Card Shop. Hurry, and secure your seats for an evening that promises to linger in your heart long after the final curtain call. Remember, tickets are cash only, so don't delay!

Come, be a part of the magic. The Youghal Musical Society awaits to whisk you away on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Siam.

By Michael Hussey | Photo: Michael Hussey

Image: Stellar performance - Orla Irwin, whose portrayal of Anna in the "King and I" at the Youghal GAA Centre. ... See MoreSee Less

You can get your tickets at Cree's Card Shop!
Call in or ring on (024 93899) 📞
Please beware that tickets are CASH ONLY
Details: Youghal Musical Society ... See MoreSee Less

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated conclusion of this gripping two-part series arrives this Saturday, May 4th, 2024. Be sure to tune in for an unforgettable finale!

All Aboard for Youghal's Railway Memories: A Two-Part Special on CRY104fm!

Calling all Youghal history lovers and train buffs! This weekend, buckle up for a captivating two-part series on CRY104fm's "Rural Report Show" with Noel Cronin. Tune in on Saturday, May 4th, from 10am to 12 noon, as we delve into the enchanting story of the Youghal Railway Station.

Local historian Mike Brookes will be our guide on this nostalgic journey. He'll unearth the rich history of the station, from its bustling heyday to the joy it brought to the town. Remember those incredible summer escapes for Cork families? We'll revisit a time when the station teemed with life, transporting passengers and dreams to the magnificent Youghal shores. Did you know that over 5,000 people arrived by train in 1954, a true testament to the line's popularity?

This special program also explores the ambitious vision of David Leopold Lewis, the dreamer who envisioned Youghal as a premier seaside resort. But the story isn't all sunshine and sandy beaches. We'll delve into the station's decline in passenger services and the eventual removal of the tracks in 1992.

Don't miss this opportunity to take a trip down memory lane! Whether you're a Youghal resident or simply fascinated by Irish transport history, this two-part series promises a captivating exploration.

Tune in live on CRY104fm or stream online at their website www.cry104fm.com/live-player/. Can't catch the live broadcast? Interact with the show! Text your thoughts to 089 4066669, email studio@cry104fm.com, or call in at (024) 91199 or 92288 to join the conversation.

The picture showcases the abandoned red brick Youghal Railway Station, a silent sentinel of a bygone era. The railway sleepers removed, a stark reminder of the station's decline and the changing tides of transportation.

So, this Saturday, set sail on a journey through Youghal's railway memories with CRY104fm! ... See MoreSee Less